Cameroon-fight against corruption: 14 More top government Officials sandwiched

Cameroon has arrested and jailed more than a dozen government administrators and project managers in a crackdown on corruption. But many think President Paul Biya, who has been in power for 34 years, is just silencing his opponents.

Among the 14 senior state officials arrested and detained within the past two weeks is Joseph Andre Eyebe Eyebe, the highest ranking government official in the western town of Bangante.

Cameroon's Justice Ministry says he and 13 others were charged by the country's special criminal tribunal for corruption cases and taken to prison in Yaounde, the capital.

Justice Ministry spokesman Etienne Dika says the 14 men are accused of embezzling $9 million that was to be paid as compensation for people evicted from land used for the construction of a deep sea port in Kribi.

Dika says Cameroonians who have been advocating for transparency should assist the government in its fight against corruption instead of complaining of political witch hunting.  He said charging the accused will help establish the truth.

At least two dozen former officials, including immediate past prime minister Ephraim Inoni, and heads of state corporations have been arrested in what the government says is a campaign against corruption.

Among them is former senior government minister Marafa Hamidou Yaya, who insists they are victims of President Paul Biya's desire to stay in power for life.

Cameroon has arrested and jailed more than a dozen government administrators and project managers in a crackdown on corruption. But many think President Paul Biya, who has been in power for 34 years, is just silencing his opponents.

Among the 14 senior state officials arrested and detained within the past two weeks is Joseph Andre Eyebe Eyebe, the highest ranking government official in the western town of Bangante.

Cameroon's Justice Ministry says he and 13 others were charged by the country's special criminal tribunal for corruption cases and taken to prison in Yaounde, the capital.

Justice Ministry spokesman Etienne Dika says the 14 men are accused of embezzling $9 million that was to be paid as compensation for people evicted from land used for the construction of a deep sea port in Kribi.

Dika says Cameroonians who have been advocating for transparency should assist the government in its fight against corruption instead of complaining of political witch hunting.  He said charging the accused will help establish the truth.

At least two dozen former officials, including immediate past prime minister Ephraim Inoni, and heads of state corporations have been arrested in what the government says is a campaign against corruption.

President for life?

Among them is former senior government minister Marafa Hamidou Yaya, who insists they are victims of President Paul Biya's desire to stay in power for life. 

source: voanews.com